Our mental health is just as important as any other aspect of your life. It can be helpful to take small steps toward improving your mental health. These tips may seem like they won't do much at first glance—but trust us: they'll make all the difference when the going gets tough.
Start small
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of your goals, but remember that small steps will get you there. If your goal is to get engaged, start with something easy like sending a funny text message or making plans for an activity that includes the two of you. It doesn't have to be fancy—in fact, it's often better if it isn't. The point is that if you take even just one small step toward your goal instead of doing nothing at all, then over time those steps will lead up to a big success.
There is no shame in seeking professional help
At some point in our lives, we are all affected by mental health illnesses. Whether this affects us directly or we know of someone. Seeking professional help is equally as important as going for regular check-ups with your doctor. There are various options that are available such as; in-person counselling, speaking to a qualified professional on a phone call or zoom call, or group therapy. There is an option for everyone to make sure that you take good care of your mental health.
Should you or a loved one you know need help on how to manage a mental health illness and live a healthier life you can contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
SADAG counsellors are available between 08:00 and 20:00, Monday to Sunday at 011 234 4837. You can also make use of the SADAG 24-hour helpline number is 0800 456 789. For any suicide emergencies, contact SADAG on 0800 567 567. Teens can also SMS 31393 for help.
Move your body
Movement is an incredibly powerful tool for your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins that send a signal to your brain which makes you feel better and happier. It can also help you sleep better and manage stress, anxiety and depression by releasing chemicals in your body that regulate moods.
Tone down the tech
It’s a bit of a paradox, but an important one to consider: the internet and our devices can help us feel less alone, but at the same time they can also make us feel more lonely. We can have so much access to others, yet feel so disconnected from ourselves or other people in real life.
The solution? It starts with limiting screen time—both on your phone and computer as well as in front of the TV. Get off social media (if that’s what you do), turn off notifications and set time limits for yourself when it comes to mindless scrolling or bingeing on Netflix shows (you know which ones we mean). If needed, turn off your phone entirely at night or during certain hours each day—it will make all the difference!
If possible, establish a tech curfew where you shut down all devices a couple hours before bedtime.
Switch up your routine
The world is a big place and it's full of things you've never tried. You might not have the time, or money, or energy to do everything you want to explore right now. But there are still ways that you can expand your horizons and expose yourself to new experiences without having to make an overnight trip out of town (or even leave your home):
When the world feels like it's closing in, it can be tough to find the strength to keep going. But if you're willing to work on yourself, there are plenty of ways to recharge your mental health.
Take a few minutes each day to look at yourself in the mirror and say something positive about what you see. It can be as simple as "I love my eyes" or "I love my heart." Or try looking into your own eyes and say "I love you." Find something that makes you feel good about who you are and use it as fuel for starting over again tomorrow.
